What happens to the money donated to the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)?
Voluntary donations from AANS members and the general public fund NREF and important research that impacts the lives of those suffering from epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, spinal disorders, head injuries and low back pain. In 2003, 100 percent of every dollar contributed by individuals and corporate partners to NREF directly supported neurosurgical medical research and education.
NREF grant awardees are the neurosurgeons of tomorrow. Each year the NREF Scientific Advisory Committee reviews applications from Young Clinician Investigators and Research Fellows. In 2003, NREF awarded $410,000 in grants to eight fellows.
One award recipient, Judy Huang, MD, currently is working on research that will provide additional insights into how estrogen effectively mediates neuroprotection. This research may lead to a novel pharmacologic strategy of combining an anti-inflammatory agent with hormonal replacement in stroke prevention.
Another award recipient, John Kuo, MD, at the University of Toronto, is researching new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. The disease itself and current treatments (aggressive surgery and adjuvant therapies), cause significant morbidity and mortality. Detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of medulloblastoma is expected to lead to better disease diagnosis and staging and will make possible new therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Huang and Dr. Kuo are able to conduct this research because of those who have invested in the future of neurosurgery research and education. For 2004, the Scientific Advisory Committee reviewed 49 grant applications-a record number-and awarded nine grants totaling $400,000. NREF’s ability to fund research is dependent on donations, so while 100 percent of donations again were awarded through grants, many deserving applications unfortunately could not be funded.
Additional information about current NREF grant recipients and how to make a gift is available on the Web site at www.AANS.org/research, or from Michele Gregory, director of development, at toll-free (888) 566-AANS (2267).
Terri Bruce is AANS development coordinator.